This Valentine's Day Why Don't You Fondue!

Valentine's Day is a holiday of indulgence and what better way to say "I love you" than slathering your sweetie in sugar-free chocolate?

Most people go the traditional route with boxed chocolates, decadent cupcakes, and other calorie concentrated candies. Although you can probably imagine just how damaging these delicacies are, let me add a number to that picture...

One See's Candy Caramel Chew: 90 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 9 carbs

One Godiva Chocolate Truffle: 100 calories, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 10 carbs

A Sprinkles Red Velet Cupcake: 500 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 62 carbs!

So this Sunday why don't you cut calories with this creative idea:

Chocolate Fondue For Two

2/3 cup dry unsweetened cocoa (130)
1/4 tsp cinnamon (0)
1 cup skim milk (90)
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract (6)
1/2 cup granulated Splenda (o)

1. Combine cocoa, cinnamon, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until there are no lumps of cocoa and continue until mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, and let the mixture boil gently for 5 minutes or until mixture is thick and smooth, stirring often.
4. Cool slightly. Then add vanilla and Splenda.
5. Pour into a pretty serving bowl and surround with sliced fruits.
7. Serve to your sweetheart!

Half the recipe is only 113 calories plus the fruit...strawberries (6 calories each), bananas (50 calories for half), and pineapple (75 calories a cup).

To cut even more cals, skip the fruit. I'm sure you'll think of something to pour your concoction on :)

But for those who still want to actually give something, these treats are slightly less sinful than the usual Valentine's suspects:

Necco Conversation Hearts: 100 calories for 25 pieces (4 calories each), zero grams of fat.

See's Candy Gourmet Lollipop: 70 calories, 8 grams of sugar, and they last longer than a bite of chocolate.

Au Bon Pain's Chocolate Covered Strawberries: 30 calories each, 3 grams of sugar, one sweet aphrodisiac!

Note: If artificial sugar isn't your thing, replace with raw cane sugar and each serving will be a little under 300 calories (without fruit).

*All caloric values are approximate.